Too often, the architecture that defines our landscape is razed to the ground and relegated to memory-condemned to be forgotten. In the rediscovery of these often hidden, sealed up or otherwise off-limits locations, I document our adventures through the photography presented here so that they may be remembered before it's too late.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Bethany Evangelical Church

Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church's congregation formed in 1874. But it wasn't until July 1890 before they would have their own "magnificent" church erected here. Unfortunately, their new church burned to the ground less than 5 years later. The congregation would not be deterred, however and set out to rebuild with even loftier goals for the replacement. This new church building, when completed, was the biggest one to date for this denomination in Missouri and elsewhere. The organ was also substantially larger than its predecessor. The cornerstone was laid in 1928 and construction was completed in 1929.

The original congregation, however, would not stay long enough to see this building through the next few decades. The once greatest church of their denomination would soon change hands. It has undergone at least 4 major denominational changes. Most likely, the founding congregation didn't survive the mass exodus of most of the town's contributing inhabitants (which is the same fate experienced by other similar churches beginning in the 60's) before ultimately ending up in its current state.

About Me

Disclaimer

This blog is dedicated to the pursuit of adventure and features urban exploration in Saint Louis, Missouri and beyond.

1. With the exception of historical photos, all of the photographs here are copyrighted and not to be used for any purpose without my consent. The historical imagery is courtesy of the Historical Society or as otherwise noted.

2. "Don't try this at home." I absolutely will not be held responsible for anyone else's stupidity. I do not recommend anyone try visiting any of these locations. Sometimes I am granted access to the things you see here and attempting to follow in my footsteps may get you arrested, hurt or killed.

3. I do not condone or tolerate: vandalism, theft, littering or any other disrespectful activity in any of these locations. I have the utmost respect for the history of these locations and for the history of my city, Saint Louis. "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."

4. Do not ask me for (or post) specific location information. If identifying information is not provided in the post, there's usually a good reason for that. Any information will be provided either at the time of posting, or updated years later, at my discretion.